Hi, I am having recent difficulty with my starter and am hoping you can help. I have made dough from my starter 5-6 times and it came out wonderful. The last two times I was unable to get KAF and had to use what was available at the store which was bleached all purpose flour. With this flour my dough is very sticky and needs a lot of additional flour. Usually I knead my dough 5 mins. in the kitchenaid and 5 mins. by hand. With this recent dough I am finding it very difficult to do the kneading by hand without adding a lot of flour. Also, my loaves are not browning as well as they did before and they are not rising well. It looks as if the dough flopped a bit in the center. What should I do to get my starter back in shape? I am getting some KAF to feed it with today. Should I alter the proportions of the flour/water? I appreciate any help you can give. Thanks! Ah, Ellen, bleach and cheap wheat - it's a combination that's guaranteed to give you trouble! If your starter seems very soupy and thin, use 2/3 cup (King Arthur) flour and 1/3 cup water for a couple of feedings, till it's back to the texture you prefer. It should be fine again soon. PJH

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